In the DreamScape Universe, magic is a given. At the moment of the story, magic is dead on Earth and dying on Kesh. The connection between the two worlds needs to be reestablished, the circuit needs to be completed for magic to become vibrant once again. This magic system is meant to be logical, almost scientific. Most of the magic will be very reminiscent of the Force from "Star Wars." Some of the more divine magic and craft will approach more conventional "fairy-tale" type magics. Even at its most fey-like, this magic will seek to be economical and follow the laws of physics. I mean, the idea isn't that magic defies physics, but it overcomes the norm. Power has to come from somewhere, it's not free. In fact, most of the central plot has to do with the economy of magical energy. Below is a description of the magic system in this story's reality.
Spirit
Power can be taken from the living, usually the self or a willing sacrifice. But it can also be stolen. Using spirit energy leaves the drained with less vitality or, possibly, dead. Vitality can be regained over time, but continually draining oneself is dangerous. Spirit is channeled through force of will. Its use can be benevolent or malevolent. It is usually manifest in sudden, small bursts of energy. I can also come in grand expenditures (though such usually kill the donor).
Vampire
When vitality is stolen, the mage is practicing vampirism. Commonly, spirit mages will practice a form of leeching in battle to steal his opponents' energy. But it can also be used to totally consume another person's life force. The first use will grant the mage power and energy while the second is often applied to increasing the permanent vitality and longevity/youth of the vampire. This latter form of vampirism is generally considered to be evil.
Nature
Power can be syphoned from the cosmos; not by direct drain, but by gleaning energy from the passing currents of the universe (ether). Nature is accessed through expansive thought and enlightenment. As such, it is rare that nature can be used for evil... but that doesn't necessitate sanctity. Also, one cannot die by exhaustion as with using spirit. But it can be dangerous in that one might access so much power that any instability in the flow of ether could cause a feedback reaction that burns the user. Nature is usually manifest in broad, sweeping ways: not necessarily grand, but subtle. Acute use is done through flesh-craft: etherial energy is stored in a person's body and used as though it were spirit energy.
Divine
Some argue that the power bestowed by the gods is really spirit power given from an eternal source of vitality. Others believe that such vitality is granted by a deity's connection with the cosmos, thus becoming a conscious agent of the universal vitality. There is no clear conclusion and divine power seems to be a hybrid of both spirit and nature power. The dynamic of that mix is determined by the mage, his patron, and the context of use.
Mana
When a person dies, he brings the virtue and experience of his life into the spirit world. This virtue increases the glory of the spirit world (by creating mana). It is possible to access this energy and consume it as fuel. But such is to be avoided as it saps the afterlife of glory. If an area is severely drained of mana it may allow demons to emerge from hell.
Craft
Magical energy can be worked into or stored in physical objects. Craft is common application of magic where spirit energy is invested, nature magic can be applied, and divine power can be channelled into substance. Craft also describes the creation of items that increase a mage's access to magic. The art of accessing magic without any intrinsic connection by the practitioner is alchemy.
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